Chronic Disease Prevention

Chronic Disease Prevention

As a leader in preventative health care, the Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut offers a broad range of research-based programs that target specific health issues to the community. Through programs like these below, the Y helps manage a range of health conditions. Regular exercise and healthy eating are a must, but creating a support group through difficult health journeys is invaluable.

The Aging Mastery® Program (AMP) is a partnership with the National Council on Aging. The AMP Program is delivered over 11 weekly meetings lasting 1½ hours each session. AMP incorporates evidence-informed materials, expert speakers, group discussion, peer support, and small rewards to give participants the skills and tools to achieve measurable improvements.The program encourages mastery of sustainable behaviors that will lead to improved health, stronger financial security, and overall well-being.

Preliminary results have shown that older adults in the program significantly increased their: social connectedness, physical activity levels, healthy eating habits, use of advanced planning, participation in evidence-based programs, adoption of several other healthy behaviors.

Program enrollment includes a wire bound curriculum book, journal, rewritable memo board, graduation pins and program prizes. Cost to register in the program is $60.00.

Past Participant Comments

"I was reminded that it was important to feel and express gratitude each day, and I have tried to make this part of my morning routine."

"I developed a more positive acceptance of both my past and future."

"This program was very uplifting. I learned that the aging process can be done gracefully. I am working on a plan for the future to share with my family."

"Dr. Mendez saved my life, I followed one of his recommendations and I’m finally sleeping better."

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One in three American adults has high blood pressure, which puts them at heightened risk of stroke and heart disease, two of the leading causes of death in the U.S.

In response to this critical health care issue, the YMCA offers its Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program, an evidence-based program that features personalized support as participants develop the habit of monitoring their blood pressure. Research shows that the process of recording blood pressure at least twice a month over a period of four months has been shown to lower blood pressure in many people with high blood pressure.

Participants work with trained Healthy Heart Ambassadors for the duration of the four-month program.

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A New Beginning is a program designed specifically for cancer patients and survivors who are ready to begin an exercise regime or improve their current level of exercise.

Meet with Kerry Swift, ACSM Cancer Exerciser Trainer, for 12 weeks to learn to exercise at a level that’s right for you, the cancer patient or survivor. A doctor’s clearance is required if the patient is in active treatment or has recently completed active treatment.

A New Beginning at the YMCA is designed to empower cancer survivors and patients to regain their health after having become de-conditioned or chronically fatigued from their disease or its treatment.

Cancer Recovery Wellness Contact:

Measurable progress, unlimited support. Pre-diabetes is a potentially reversible condition that often leads to Type II diabetes, and 86 million people in the United States are estimated to have it. If you have been diagnosed with prediabetes, or believe you may be at risk for developing the disease, the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program can help you develop a healthier lifestyle.

As a leading nonprofit for strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the Y believes that all people should be able to live life to its fullest, healthiest potential. In the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program a trained lifestyle coach will introduce topics in a small classroom setting and encourage participants as they explore how healthy eating, physical activity, and behavior changes can benefit their health.

During the program participants will discuss topics such as healthy eating, increasing physical activity, reducing stress, problem-solving, and much more.

Are you at risk?

Who Can Participate?

To qualify for the program, participants must be at least 18 years old, overweight (BMI > 25; BMI > 22 for Asian individuals), and at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes.A blood test, a previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes, or a qualifying risk score confirms this risk.

Individuals who have already been diagnosed with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes do not qualify for this program.

Did you know…

According to the CDC roughly 35% of U.S. adults have pre diabetes and few are aware that they are at high risk for type 2 diabetes.

YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program can reduce the number of new cases of diabetes by 58%.

Goals

To reduce body weight by 7%

To increase physical activity to 150 minutes per week

Diabetes Prevention Contact:

EnhanceFitness focuses on dynamic cardiovascular exercise, strength training, balance, and flexibility—everything older adults need to maintain health and function as they age. This program is a perfect off-site program for older adults living in our community. This CDC Evidenced Based Program runs for 16 weeks. Participants meet 1 hour three times per week.

Example Class Schedule

5-minute warm-up to get the blood flowing to the muscles

20-minute aerobics workout that gets participants moving, or a walking workout to lively music that the class chooses

5-minute cool-down

10-minute stretching workout to keep the muscles flexible

Balance exercises throughout the class

Participants’ progress is measured through fitness checks completed at the time the individual first joins EnhanceFitness, then every four months.

Past Participant Comments

"My participation in the fitness program is motivating everyone else in my house to exercise, my daughter and my granddaughter included. I guess they all figure if that old lady can do it, so can I." -- Ruthie

"We really enjoy the music and dance routines, it makes us feel like we are on Dancing with the Stars" -- Omie

"So far I haven't missed one class. I look forward to coming. I do what I can and I'm having so much fun." -- Mary

Enhance Fitness Contact:

Monthly topics in health are delivered by Western Connecticut Health Network speaker bureau. These informative 1-hour sessions are open to the public and are FREE and offered the FIRST TUESDAY every month from 1:30pm to 2:30pm at our Greenknoll Branch in the studio. Past topics have included Heart Health, Motivations to Wellness, and Knowledge around Tick-borne Illnesses, Sleep, Early Detection of Skin Cancer and Fall Prevention. Upcoming topics include: Flu and You, Early Breast Cancer Detection, Diabetes Awareness and Aromatherapy to Conquer Stress.